Terry Rosenberg

Terry Rosenberg is a long-time resident of Durban, with a wealth of experience in the business world. Originally from Johannesburg, he received his education at Marist Brothers and at the University of the Witwatersrand.

Terry’s career began in computer consulting, where he joined a firm that he remained with for 16 years, ultimately becoming its leader. Following this time, he embarked on a leveraged buyout with a colleague, taking a company off the Stock Exchange and working to revitalise it. After successfully restoring the company, they merged with McCarthy’s, the largest car retailer in southern Africa. In the year 2000 Terry went into a family office, where he has worked ever since.

Now in his 50th year in business, Terry remains enthusiastic about his work. “As long as I am spared, I’ll still be doing business because I really enjoy it,” he stated. His joy comes not only from the work itself but also from engaging with people and witnessing their growth.

WORKING TIRELESSLY
Among his achievements, Terry is particularly proud of his role in establishing Durban as a key convention hub in southern Africa. He reflected on an initiative that began about 23 years ago, alongside the late Gordon Hibbert and fellow businessman Andrzej Kiepiela. They envisioned making Durban the convention centre of southern Africa and worked tirelessly to bring this vision to life.

In order to make this vision a reality, a private public partnership called Operation Jumpstart was established. “After four years of ups and downs, we managed to install the convention centre in Durban,” Terry said. The project was initially nerve-wracking, with uncertainty over whether conferences would come. However, their efforts paid off, and today, the Durban International Convention Centre is firmly established, having over time, brought an estimated R30 billion into the city.

Terry’s strong connection to KwaZulu-Natal continues and he is optimistic about the province’s future development. He believes that as improvements become evident, confidence will naturally return. Speaking from his vantage point at the Umhlanga Arch, a prominent building with a 360° view of Durban, he marvelled at the natural beauty of the region. He emphasises the region’s strengths, particularly its beautiful weather and diverse attractions, from the North Coast to the Midlands and beyond.

“Wherever I can put in my two cents worth,” he explained, “I get involved in various things where hopefully we can help the business community really build this province into the place that it should be.” He noted that the business community is working closely with the government to address key areas of concern, including water, sewage, electricity, and the port. Despite past leadership challenges, Terry sees progress and is encouraged by the strong cooperation between the business community and local authorities. He remains committed to contributing towards making KwaZulu-Natal one of South Africa’s leading provinces. “I’m very enthusiastic. As long as we’ve got plans and people are working honestly towards those plans, it brings hope.”

NEVER GIVE UP
Terry finds immense joy in collaborating with his team, particularly in understanding the diverse personalities and motivations of his key executives. “People are very different, and it’s difficult to get everyone singing from the same sheet,” he explained. Success, for Terry, lies in knowing what makes each team member tick.

He also highlighted the importance of knowing who he is dealing with around the board table. “You may have five people sitting there, all from different backgrounds with different views on life,” he said. Terry emphasised the importance of defining any problems clearly. “It’s up to you as a leader to take out of them what their problem is, rather than what they think their problem is.” By fostering a sense of unity and shared purpose, Terry ensures that his team works together effectively, much like a rugby team where each player has a unique but essential role.

In addition, he explained, “So many times, people in negotiations or complex situations attack the symptoms rather than the root of the issue.” One example from his own career involved a business division that was underperforming. Initially, the discussion centred on operations, but the real issue turned out to be the limited availability of transport that brought many of their customers to the store. “Once we knew what the problem was, we were able to make plans to fix it,” he said.

While Terry does not have a specific motto, his attitude towards life is to never give up. “So many times when problems hit, people stand back and say, ‘This will never work.’ I’m very much against that,” he stated. For Terry, perseverance is key, especially when there is still hope in a situation. His approach is to keep trying different solutions, leveraging his network, and staying committed to the task at hand.

SUPPORT AND GROWTH
While Terry’s steadiness has ensured that most of his endeavours have been ‘smooth sailing’ he has also experienced some setbacks. In such circumstances, Terry’s faith has helped him rise above the disappointments. His favourite scripture reads: “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”

Terry shared that the greatest personal challenge he has faced was the sudden loss of a child. He and his wife, Carol, were profoundly affected by the tragedy. “It really knocked us for a long period of time,” he admitted, adding that they eventually managed to move forward. This experience led to deeper connections with others who had faced similar losses, providing opportunities for mutual support and growth. “It’s not something I would recommend to anyone if they’re wanting to grow,” Terry remarked, reflecting on the difficulty of the situation.

In summary, Terry is a steadfast and deeply motivated individual, driven by his passion for business, his faith, and his desire to see growth and success both in his personal life and in the community around him.